WELCOME TO THETRADITIONAL TRIDENTINERITE OF MASS

Questions and Answers on the Traditional Rite of
Mass

Why is it the 'Traditional' Rite?Because it
goes back in its essentials to the earliest days of the Church. It was this
Mass which was taken all over the world by countless European missionaries.

Why 'Tridentine'?'Tridentine' means 'Of Trent'. After the
Council of Trent in 1570 AD St. Pope Pius V eliminated from the Roman Missal a
few items which the Council considered to be unnecessary. He did not introduce
a new rite of Mass.

Why is the Mass said in Latin?The Faith and the Mass were spread
by the Apostles and the first missionaries throughout the Roman Empire in
which the common language was Latin in the West and Greek in the East.

Why was it not changed as the languages of the different nations changed
over the years?Because vernacular languages continue to evolve and the
meanings of the words alter. Although the present vernacular Mass is only 25
years old a new version is already being prepared, amongst great disagreement
as to the words to be used. Only Latin is unchanging and it gives the standard
to which all translations are referred. It therefore greatly helps to maintain
unity of worship and prayer.

Is this Rite of the Mass permitted by the Pope?Yes. When Pope
Paul VI introduced his New Rite of Mass in 1969 he gave permission for the
continuation of the Tridentine Rite in England and Wales; in 1984 Pope John
Paul extended that to the whole world and in 1988 he asked the Bishops to be
generous in the application of the permission.

Why does the priest not face the people?Because he is offering
the Mass in Christ's name and in His Person, in persona Christi, to God the
Father and is leading his people in adoration and worship. He is facing east,
the rising sun, which is symbolic of the 'New Jerusalem' and he is leading his
flock as the Good Shepherd does. When he needs to address the congregation he
turns to face the people and says "Dominus vobiscum" or "Orate fratres".

Why is much of this Mass celebrated quietly or in silence?All
the prayers are addressed to God, not to the people, and particularly from the
end of the Sanctus and during the Canon, this solemn silence is the most
effective expression of the adoration and reverence due to God Who comes to us
in the Mystery of the Mass.

Does that mean that the people do not participate in the Rite of
Mass?No, it does not mean that! They should have a sincere, intense,
interior participation in the Mass, raising their minds and hearts to God,
uniting themselves with the priest offering the Divine Victim at the altar and
offering themselves in unison with Him. Following the words and actions in a
missal greatly helps in understanding and appreciating the beauty of the Rite.

Why is the Sacred Host received kneeling and on the
tongue?Although the practice of receiving in the hand was common in
the first centuries many abuses crept in. These and increasing reverence and
respect for the Blessed Sacrament led to reception kneeling and on tongue.

Does this Mass fulfil the Sunday obligation?Of course! - as it
has for nearly twenty centuries.

What did the Second Vatican Council say about this Mass?It
stated that "... the use of the Latin language is to be preserved ..." and
that all lawfully recognised rites should be preserved and fostered in every
way. It decreed that the people should be taught to say in Latin, or sing in
Gregorian Chant, those parts of the Mass appertaining to them.

What is Gregorian Chant?It is traditional church music of
western Christendom with origins pre- dating Pope Gregory the Great whose name
it bears. It grew out of Latin texts and its essential worth lies in profound
spirituality.

How can I help to preserve this Rite of Mass?By attending
whenever possible the Masses which are arranged and by joining the Latin Mass
Society. For further information please contact the Society's local
representative or write to this address: